I watched FMA simply as a recommendation from my boyfriend, and wanting the ability to discuss it with him since he has already seen both versions of the anime. I am really, generally, not into shounen anime. It was very slow going at first, but the second half really got me sucked in like any of the other genres I generally watch. I was thoroughly surprised, and enjoyed this anime.
The art is as good as 2003 art is going to get, imo.
The sound - I liked the use of some classic compositions to set the mood in the last few episodes. Generally the one vocal background song they used during Dante's presence annoyed me.
Characters - SO many characters. I genuinely liked Hughes, and Alphonse.
